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A Charmed Place
In a peaceful seaside town called Sandy Point, Maddie Regan hopes to find solace from a troubled ex-husband and a feisty teenaged daughter. But she never expects the man from her past, Dan Hawke, to take up residence in the local lighthouse. And so a charming cottage and a sleepy town become ignited in long-lost passion, long-buried secrets, and a last chance at love...
359 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 15, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
August 6, 2012
I'd give this 3.5 stars. Like so many others have said, don't ler the number of pages hold you back from reading this book. I was interested right away and it was a very quick read. It has it all - sex, love, romance, mystery and a few thrills.
March 30, 2019
This book just didn't sit right. It didn't flow. The storyline would have been excellent had there been consistency throughout the main character. She was flighty as hell. An adult one minute then a petulant teen the next.
July 17, 2013
This book is not the boring one that many of the other reviewers described it as as far as I could see. I really enjoyed Maddie's story and the descriptions made you feel that you were there.
Maddie and her daughter are in Cape Cod for the summer while trying to come to terms with the murder of Maddie's father theyear before.
While there her first boyfriend shows up which turns the lives of everyone he comes in contact with upside down.
A good read that I can recommend.
Maddie and her daughter are in Cape Cod for the summer while trying to come to terms with the murder of Maddie's father theyear before.
While there her first boyfriend shows up which turns the lives of everyone he comes in contact with upside down.
A good read that I can recommend.
July 29, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters where all well written and the romance was wonderful. Dan has never stopped loving Mattie even after she married someone else. Mattie finds her love for Dan is still very strong when he shows up in her town after years even though her ex-husband tries to keep them apart .
August 10, 2013
A “charming” love story set in a cozy New England seaside setting. Throw in a bit of history, a sprinkle of mystery, and the age old tug-of-war between two guys over a gal, with an attitude. It’s an eclectic potpourri that will leave you craving for more. A new author for me … one that I have already sought out to enhance my library! A “charming” summer … or any time … read!
April 16, 2012
I liked the story but it wasn't written in the best way. I don't know how to explain it but at items I felt the story was rushed and predictable maybe unplausible. Over all it was a nice read and a romanctic story but could have been so much better with a bit more suspense and detail
September 5, 2012
Mystery, murder, college sweethearts separated by tragedy seeking their destiny, a small town where everyone knows everything, a single mother who feels as though she knows nothing...a captivating story that will draw you in and have you rooting for true love and single moms.
March 17, 2017
I normally enjoy this author, but this one seemed a little cumbersome. Although probably it is been more to do with the disjointed nature of the reading time I have had, rather than than the fabric of the book.
December 28, 2015
Re-read---can't think why.
June 4, 2019
Charming
This is the first book I’ve read by Antoinette Stockenberg and it was charming. I love her writing style........descriptive and emotional. I didn’t want the book to end although she tied all the ends up very nicely, and I would like a sequel to these characters. Once I began reading, I couldn’t put it down until I finished at 2 in the morning. Today I’m still thinking about Sandy Point and Maddie, Dan and Tracey. It was nice to read a story with no cell phones and today’s conveniences, where people popped in to visit, people really talked to each other when at dinner, etc, had to use a landline to talk to people.....back to a simpler time. 😀
This is the first book I’ve read by Antoinette Stockenberg and it was charming. I love her writing style........descriptive and emotional. I didn’t want the book to end although she tied all the ends up very nicely, and I would like a sequel to these characters. Once I began reading, I couldn’t put it down until I finished at 2 in the morning. Today I’m still thinking about Sandy Point and Maddie, Dan and Tracey. It was nice to read a story with no cell phones and today’s conveniences, where people popped in to visit, people really talked to each other when at dinner, etc, had to use a landline to talk to people.....back to a simpler time. 😀
July 2, 2017
A tribute to Love
I love all of the author's books and this one was no exception although not my very best. The theme of "the one that got away" is a romantic notion and we probably all think of an old love and wonder how they are doing or what has become of them, this story goes beyond as the one true love that got away and returns. I confess to put myself in that scene and to feel that love come claiming. A great romantic read. Totally recommend.
I love all of the author's books and this one was no exception although not my very best. The theme of "the one that got away" is a romantic notion and we probably all think of an old love and wonder how they are doing or what has become of them, this story goes beyond as the one true love that got away and returns. I confess to put myself in that scene and to feel that love come claiming. A great romantic read. Totally recommend.
November 19, 2016
A Charmed Place - R
Violence: a shooting, emotional terrorism
Language: <195, including 1 FBomb, deity
Sex: descriptive kissing, sex 45% in and it's euphemism-laden, 56% silly, 66% and descriptive.
The writing is EXCELLENT. The story is Great. The suspense is unexpected and unnerving. I was fooled by the innocuous cover. The sex was, for me, over the top.
Returned for content.
Violence: a shooting, emotional terrorism
Language: <195, including 1 FBomb, deity
Sex: descriptive kissing, sex 45% in and it's euphemism-laden, 56% silly, 66% and descriptive.
The writing is EXCELLENT. The story is Great. The suspense is unexpected and unnerving. I was fooled by the innocuous cover. The sex was, for me, over the top.
Returned for content.
June 9, 2017
Well, the fact that I finished it one day says something - its an easy read. Granted that was 5 hours in the air on the way to Belize and then some reading time before bed. Fun, believable characters with a bit of a weird plot. Definitely a couple of villainous con men in the sweet fictional Massachusetts cape town.
March 18, 2019
A cheap story line. I should have bailed when they had sex on the beach, but I stuck with it and it only got worse. A quickie while friends were waiting? Pulleeze!!
Husband Michael was supposed to have psychic abilities, but there was no evidence of it in the story. Nor did daughter, Tracey, show it. I thought this could have been handled better. Missed opportunity.
I could analyze each plot, but in summary, I'll just not recommend this. There are plenty of better books to spend time with.
Husband Michael was supposed to have psychic abilities, but there was no evidence of it in the story. Nor did daughter, Tracey, show it. I thought this could have been handled better. Missed opportunity.
I could analyze each plot, but in summary, I'll just not recommend this. There are plenty of better books to spend time with.
March 27, 2019
A story of love and tragedy
A young college student meets a charismatic handsome man and a romance ensues. . She does not marry him but finds herself married to an art professor. Through a series of events she finds herself yearning after the charismatic man. He returns to her coastal town and her life changes forever.
A young college student meets a charismatic handsome man and a romance ensues. . She does not marry him but finds herself married to an art professor. Through a series of events she finds herself yearning after the charismatic man. He returns to her coastal town and her life changes forever.
April 14, 2025
A delightful story about Maddie and her difficult teenage daughter who move to a sleepy town in a charming cottage. Who moves into the local lighthouse but an ex love who is determined to win Maddies heart again. An easy sweet little read.
September 16, 2017
A enjoyable experience
This was a lovely book good characterisation holding the interest of the reader. Will definitely look forward to reading more books by this author.
This was a lovely book good characterisation holding the interest of the reader. Will definitely look forward to reading more books by this author.
February 1, 2019
A CHARMED PLACE
Second reading was as enjoyable as the first! The trials of young love and the rediscovery of friends and that list love make for great ready!
Second reading was as enjoyable as the first! The trials of young love and the rediscovery of friends and that list love make for great ready!
February 12, 2020
Good setting, good mystery within a mystery. Romance was predictable.
January 7, 2021
uspense and love. With a death in the family and a ton of grudges being held the circle of a combined family is fully described
January 13, 2025
fantastic
Unlike most a plot of its own a fantastic read with an ending I can live with. Definitely recommend this book
Unlike most a plot of its own a fantastic read with an ending I can live with. Definitely recommend this book
January 25, 2021
This should have been an enjoyable book. It has a beautiful sea side setting, an old lighthouse, a dishy hero. Unfortunately for the first 3rd of the book almost nothing happens. I was so bored I almost gave up. It’s not helped either by the fact that the heroine is a wishy washy, week willed ditherer with no backbone. Oh and her friends are caricatures.
So nope, not for me this one.
So nope, not for me this one.
August 8, 2020
A second chance at love for Maddie and Dan, a jealous ex- husband and a murderer identified. Set in New England the novel just rolls along and fills a few relaxing hours.
August 8, 2020
A second chance at love for Maddie and Dan, a jealous ex- husband and a murderer identified. Set in New England the novel just rolls along and fills a few relaxing hours.
November 24, 2013
A Charmed Placeby Antoinette Stockenberg
From goodreads.com:
"Maddie Regan and Dan Hawke were college lovers who were compelled to go separate ways after a horrific event for which Dan was blamed. She settled down and raised a family; he roamed the planet as a war correspondent. But a near death experience brings Dan in search of the only woman he has ever loved. His plan to win Maddie is simple: take up residence in a lighthouse just a stone's throw from her family's summer home, and then make her fall back in love with him. He knows her family will object and suspects that her daughter might; but he refuses to believe that Maddie herself -- the woman who has haunted his dreams for two decades -- can be any less in love with him than he is with her.
It's not that simple for Maddie. She has a jealous ex-husband to deal with ... a feisty, resentful teenager ... a widowed mother unable to emerge from mourning ... and the ongoing heartbreak of her father's unsolved murder. Is it possible to throw all of that aside for the chance to be happy?"
Kindle Edition, 359 pages
Published February 21st 2012 (first published June 15th 1998)
Leona's Review:
This was a fairly quick read even with a lot of happenings in the book. Michael is a jealous ex-husband of Maddie and their 14 year old daughter is sometimes unsure of which parent is best for her. Dan and Maddie are college lovers and he has rented a place next to her home on Cape Cod.
The reader deals with hurricanes, psychic research, teenagers, saving a lighthouse, Maddie's pregnant sister-in-law and stubborn brother, murder, Michael as a jealous ex-husband, nostalgia, sex on the beach, sex, friendship, women around the age of forty, old flames, Cape Cod, near death experience for Dan, a lighthouse and borrowing sugar. Even with the number of things happening, it did not overwhelm me.
I am giving it a 3 star because of the unnecessary sex between Maddie and Dan. Not needed at all and some circumstances were (I thought) "pathetic" as was said on Kindle page 214. This would have been a 4 star from me if not added. We are dealing with a teenager in this book and I think it would have been a good read for younger readers if omitted. Maybe as an almost Hallmark movie type would have helped.
A professional note. Why would Edward Timmons have a Carnival Cruise Line cruise brochure? As a travel professional, I would have suggested a cruise line like Celebrity or Holland America for his age. I love Carnival and have sailed them many times but usually not for his age group as a first cruise, if this was a first cruise.
I would read other books from Antoinette Stockenberg and appreciate the free download.
The main characters are:
Maddie Timmons Regan- mother, ex-wife and love of Dan
Dan Hawke- an ex-war correspondent who has been in love with Maddie since college
Tracey- the 14 year old daughter of Maddie and Michael
Michael Regan- ex- husband and involved in a psychic study
Edward Timmons- murdered father of Maddie
Sarah Timmons-mother of Maddie
George- brother of Maddie
Claire- sister-in-law of Maddie
Norah and Joan- friends of Maddie
I downloaded this free book from amazon.com. The opinions are my own.
You may find Antoinette Stockenberg on facebook and her site www.AntoinetteStockenberg.com
Leona Olson
www.mnleona.blogspot.com
July 16, 2013
My first novel by Stockenberg. I enjoyed the setting: New England - Cape Cod. The characters were interesting and believable. Maddie is recovering from a divorce when her old college love shows up living within sight of her home, living in a lighthouse. After a traumatic parting 20 years ago, she isn't sure she wants to see him, even though she can't stop watching his coming and going.
There is another part of the novel where Maddie and her friends have their women's issues they hash out as they get together weekly.
Her ex-husband is enraged when he realizes she has always felt a strong love for her former college boyfriend. He seems to overlook he was a womanizer and therefore divorced.
The mysterious death of Maddie's father which remains unsolved is a strong barrier in resuming her relationship due to an unfortunate accident involving her former boyfriend.
The struggle for her daughter's loyalty is an issue between parents.
The interactions of a small town where everyone knows what's happening are an interesting part of the novel.
I will be looking for more of her novels to read shortly.
There is another part of the novel where Maddie and her friends have their women's issues they hash out as they get together weekly.
Her ex-husband is enraged when he realizes she has always felt a strong love for her former college boyfriend. He seems to overlook he was a womanizer and therefore divorced.
The mysterious death of Maddie's father which remains unsolved is a strong barrier in resuming her relationship due to an unfortunate accident involving her former boyfriend.
The struggle for her daughter's loyalty is an issue between parents.
The interactions of a small town where everyone knows what's happening are an interesting part of the novel.
I will be looking for more of her novels to read shortly.
May 25, 2012
I usually pick a book not only by the description, but also by the cover. While this book has a beautiful cover -- that is the best part of the book -- the words are dull and unimpressive. After reading quite a few books where authors' discriptions paint a beautiful or dreary picture (depending on the climate) that I can really see in my mind. I find it very dull to pick up a book (with the expectation of a good read), to be totally disappointed by the predictable story line, under-developed characters, and basically a disappointment all the way around. I'll be more selective from now on. Oh right, the story: a beautiful divorced woman (with low self-esteem) with one child (a challenging girl), moves to beach house of her childhood, meets up with a love from her past, they fall madly in love, plan to marry, problems with child's father (he is crazy), hurricane thrown in for good measure, in the end, all is well, and they live happily ever after. Dull, dull, dull.
May 14, 2013
This book is very slow moving. If a book is long because it has a lot of story to tell, that's good. But this book seemed to be long for the purpose of using as many words as possible. I like a book that moves along at a better clip.
The story itself, I loved. It's a love story about two people finding each other after years apart. They are now both middle aged and have, what appears to be, too many road blocks on her part. Maddy's own mother thinks the love of her life, Dan, killed her father. Maddy's ex-husband has gone crazy and is determined to break them up and Maddy's teen-aged daughter is on her daddy's side.
The reader finally gets to find out who did what to whom but that's not the end. It should end there but then there's a long epilog. Once a story is done, finish it.
This book is probably ideal for someone who likes to make a book last over months and the writing is very good. But I prefer a faster pace.
The story itself, I loved. It's a love story about two people finding each other after years apart. They are now both middle aged and have, what appears to be, too many road blocks on her part. Maddy's own mother thinks the love of her life, Dan, killed her father. Maddy's ex-husband has gone crazy and is determined to break them up and Maddy's teen-aged daughter is on her daddy's side.
The reader finally gets to find out who did what to whom but that's not the end. It should end there but then there's a long epilog. Once a story is done, finish it.
This book is probably ideal for someone who likes to make a book last over months and the writing is very good. But I prefer a faster pace.
May 2, 2012
I'm two chapters in, and so far what I've read isn't extraordinary. What's keeping me reading is the things I know I don't know. Like what happened in M_____'s marriage, and what her connection to Dan Hawke is.
I am thoroughly annoyed by Norah's character though. I don't see how any grown woman could be friends with her.
Couldn't finish it. It dragged and dragged and draaaaaaagged. Too boring. There are too many good books out there to be read for me to waste my time on this bore.
And I only gave this book one star because I don't know if it's possible to actually rate it zero.
I am thoroughly annoyed by Norah's character though. I don't see how any grown woman could be friends with her.
Couldn't finish it. It dragged and dragged and draaaaaaagged. Too boring. There are too many good books out there to be read for me to waste my time on this bore.
And I only gave this book one star because I don't know if it's possible to actually rate it zero.
July 14, 2013
Nice romantic story set in Cape Cod, USA. Maddie spends summers at the family summer-house with her daughter, mother and family. A nearby lighthouse is suddenly rented by a former sweetheart whom the family believe was responsible for the devastation of the family many years ago. Maddie's ex husband makes life difficult for her and things become complicated with the ensuing entangled relationships.
Maddie's father's murder becomes the focus for the story and the twists whilst detecting his murderer bring a nice twist.
A nice holiday read.
Maddie's father's murder becomes the focus for the story and the twists whilst detecting his murderer bring a nice twist.
A nice holiday read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews